Rotorua - After years of being ignored, sidelined, and talked over, the Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) is taking its fight over the Tarawera Sewage Scheme to the High Court on Monday 1 December. The Council’s continued refusal to honour genuine consultation with mana whenua has pushed this kaupapa out of the boardroom and into the courtroom.

Board spokesperson; Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith says the Board has had enough of back-room decision-making and last-minute legal games from the Council:

“We welcome our day in court - because we’ve had enough. Council has ignored consultation, disrespected the process, and pulled last-minute legal stunts whenever we pushed back. On 1 December, they’ll have to front. No more hiding behind rushed paperwork, closed-door deals or political convenience. This is a chance for mana whenua to finally challenge the Council on neutral ground - and to make it clear that we will always protect Rotokākahi, no matter who tries to silence us.”

For generations, Lake Rotokākahi has been protected by its kaitiaki - not exploited, not commercialised, not politicised. The Board says the Council’s pattern of disregarding proper consultation is not just disrespectful - it is a direct threat to indigenous decision-making and environmental protection.

On 1 December, RBOC will stand in the High Court not just for Rotokākahi, but for every iwi and hapū who has ever been forced to fight for a seat at the table in their own whenua.

The message from Rotokākahi is clear:

Consultation must be real. Legal obligations must be honoured. Mana whenua decision-making must be respected.

The Board is calling on whānau, hapū, iwi, environmental defenders, and allies to stand in solidarity and witness the case.

High Court Rotorua - Monday 1 December.

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